Standard Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Exposed Attic Floor Insulation Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This fire-test-response standard is designed to provide a basis for estimating one aspect of the fire exposure behavior to exposed insulation installed on the floors of building attics. The test environment is intended to simulate conditions that have been observed and defined in full-scale attic experiments.  
5.2 The test is intended to be suitable for regulatory statutes, specification acceptance, design purposes, or development and research.  
5.3 The fundamental assumption inherent in the test is that critical radiant flux is one measure of the surface burning characteristics of exposed insulation on floors or between joists of attics.  
5.4 The test is applicable to attic floor insulation specimens that follow or simulate accepted installation practice.  
5.5 In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or more specific sets of laboratory fire test exposure conditions. If different test conditions are substituted or the anticipated end-use conditions are changed, caution should be used to predict changes in the performance characteristics measured by or from this test. Therefore, the results are strictly valid only for the fire test exposure conditions described in this procedure.  
5.5.1 If the test results obtained by this test method are to be considered in the total assessment of fire hazard in a building structure, then all pertinent established criteria for fire hazard assessment developed by Committee E-5 must be included in the consideration.
SCOPE
1.1 This fire-test-response standard describes a procedure for measuring the critical radiant flux of exposed attic floor insulation subjected to a flaming ignition source in a graded radiant heat energy environment in a test chamber. The specimen is any attic floor insulation. This test method is not applicable to those insulations that melt or shrink away when exposed to the radiant heat energy environment or the pilot burner.  
1.2 This fire-test-response standard measures the critical radiant flux at the point at which the flame advances the farthest. It provides a basis for estimating one aspect of fire exposure behavior for exposed attic floor insulation. The imposed radiant flux simulates the thermal radiation levels likely to impinge on the floors of attics whose upper surfaces are heated by the sun through the roof or by flames from an incidental fire in the attic. This fire-test-response standard was developed to simulate an important fire exposure component of fires that develop in attics, but is not intended for use in estimating flame spread behavior of insulation installed other than on the attic floor.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory information. These notes and footnotes, excluding those in tables and figures, shall not be considered as requirements of this standard.  
1.5 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in...

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Status
Historical
Publication Date
30-Jun-2017
Technical Committee
Drafting Committee
Current Stage
Ref Project

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Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
´1
Designation: E970 − 17 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Critical Radiant Flux of Exposed Attic Floor Insulation Using
1
a Radiant Heat Energy Source
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E970; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1
ε NOTE—Fig. 5 and SI units were updated editorially in July 2022.
1. Scope* assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under
actual fire conditions.
1.1 This fire-test-response standard describes a procedure
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
for measuring the critical radiant flux of exposed attic floor
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
insulation subjected to a flaming ignition source in a graded
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
radiant heat energy environment in a test chamber. The
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
specimen is any attic floor insulation. This test method is not
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
applicable to those insulations that melt or shrink away when
1.7 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
exposed to the radiant heat energy environment or the pilot
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
burner.
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
1.2 This fire-test-response standard measures the critical
as requirements of the standard.
radiant flux at the point at which the flame advances the
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
farthest. It provides a basis for estimating one aspect of fire
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
exposure behavior for exposed attic floor insulation. The
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
imposed radiant flux simulates the thermal radiation levels
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
likely to impinge on the floors of attics whose upper surfaces
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
are heated by the sun through the roof or by flames from an
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
incidental fire in the attic. This fire-test-response standard was
developedtosimulateanimportantfireexposurecomponentof
2. Referenced Documents
fires that develop in attics, but is not intended for use in
2
estimating flame spread behavior of insulation installed other 2.1 ASTM Standards:
than on the attic floor.
C167 Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket or
Batt Thermal Insulations
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
C665 Specification for Mineral-Fiber Blanket Thermal Insu-
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
lation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured
only.
Housing
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
C739 Specification for Cellulosic Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal
that provide explanatory information. These notes and
Insulation
footnotes, excluding those in tables and figures, shall not be
C764 Specification for Mineral Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal
considered as requirements of this standard.
Insulation
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
1.5 This standard is used to measure and describe the
Building Materials
response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With
flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk
Lot or Process
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.22 on Surface
2
Burning. For referened ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved July 1, 2017. Published July 2017. Originally approved contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as E970 –14. DOI: 10.1520/E0970- Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
17E01. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
´1
E970 − 17
E177 Practice
...

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
´1
Designation: E970 − 17 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Critical Radiant Flux of Exposed Attic Floor Insulation Using
1
a Radiant Heat Energy Source
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E970; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1
ε NOTE—Fig. 5 and SI units were updated editorially in July 2022.
1. Scope* assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under
actual fire conditions.
1.1 This fire-test-response standard describes a procedure
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
for measuring the critical radiant flux of exposed attic floor
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
insulation subjected to a flaming ignition source in a graded
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
radiant heat energy environment in a test chamber. The
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
specimen is any attic floor insulation. This test method is not
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
applicable to those insulations that melt or shrink away when
1.7 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
exposed to the radiant heat energy environment or the pilot
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
burner.
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
1.2 This fire-test-response standard measures the critical
as requirements of the standard.
radiant flux at the point at which the flame advances the
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
farthest. It provides a basis for estimating one aspect of fire
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
exposure behavior for exposed attic floor insulation. The
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
imposed radiant flux simulates the thermal radiation levels
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
likely to impinge on the floors of attics whose upper surfaces
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
are heated by the sun through the roof or by flames from an
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
incidental fire in the attic. This fire-test-response standard was
developed to simulate an important fire exposure component of
2. Referenced Documents
fires that develop in attics, but is not intended for use in
2
estimating flame spread behavior of insulation installed other
2.1 ASTM Standards:
than on the attic floor. C167 Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket or
Batt Thermal Insulations
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
C665 Specification for Mineral-Fiber Blanket Thermal Insu-
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
lation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured
only.
Housing
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
C739 Specification for Cellulosic Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal
that provide explanatory information. These notes and
Insulation
footnotes, excluding those in tables and figures, shall not be
C764 Specification for Mineral Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal
considered as requirements of this standard.
Insulation
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
1.5 This standard is used to measure and describe the
Building Materials
response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With
flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk
Lot or Process
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.22 on Surface
2
Burning. For referened ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved July 1, 2017. Published July 2017. Originally approved contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as E970 –14. DOI: 10.1520/E0970- Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
17E01. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
´1
E970 − 17
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in test environment is intended to simulate conditions that have
ASTM Test Me
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
´1
Designation: E970 − 17 E970 − 17 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Critical Radiant Flux of Exposed Attic Floor Insulation Using
1
a Radiant Heat Energy Source
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E970; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1
ε NOTE—Fig. 5 and SI units were updated editorially in July 2022.
1. Scope*
1.1 This fire-test-response standard describes a procedure for measuring the critical radiant flux of exposed attic floor insulation
subjected to a flaming ignition source in a graded radiant heat energy environment in a test chamber. The specimen is any attic
floor insulation. This test method is not applicable to those insulations that melt or shrink away when exposed to the radiant heat
energy environment or the pilot burner.
1.2 This fire-test-response standard measures the critical radiant flux at the point at which the flame advances the farthest. It
provides a basis for estimating one aspect of fire exposure behavior for exposed attic floor insulation. The imposed radiant flux
simulates the thermal radiation levels likely to impinge on the floors of attics whose upper surfaces are heated by the sun through
the roof or by flames from an incidental fire in the attic. This fire-test-response standard was developed to simulate an important
fire exposure component of fires that develop in attics, but is not intended for use in estimating flame spread behavior of insulation
installed other than on the attic floor.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory information. These notes and footnotes,
excluding those in tables and figures, shall not be considered as requirements of this standard.
1.5 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under
controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials,
products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
1.7 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.22 on Surface Burning.
Current edition approved July 1, 2017. Published July 2017. Originally approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as E970 –14. DOI:
10.1520/E0970-17.10.1520/E0970-17E01.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
´1
E970 − 17
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C167 Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket or Batt Thermal Insulations
C665 Specification for Mineral-Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing
C739 Specification for Cellulosic Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal Insulation
C764 Specification for Mineral Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal Insulation
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or
Process
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E631 Terminology of Building Construct
...

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